This study was designed to measure changes in blood pressure (BP), urinary catecholamines and ventilatory functions of patients with mild essential hypertension after 10 weeks of Qigong (Shuxinpingxuegong). Fifty-eight patients volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly divided into either a Qigong group (n = 29), or a control group (n = 29). Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the Qigong group such that both became significantly lower after 10 weeks in the Qigong than in the control group. Also, there was a significant reduction of norepinephrine, metanephrine and epinephrine compared to baseline values in the Qigong group. The ventilatory functions, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume per sec, were increased in the Qigong group but not the control. These results suggest that Qigong may stabilize the sympathetic nervous system is effective in modulating levels of urinary catecholamines and BP positively, and in improving ventilatory functions in mildly hypertensive middle-aged patients.

This study investigated the effectiveness of Qigong on blood pressure and several blood lipids, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, Apolipoprotein A1 (APO-A1), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG) in hypertensive patients. Thirty-six patients were randomly divided into either the Qigong group, or a wait-listed control group. Blood pressures decreased significantly after eight weeks of Qigong. The levels of TC, HDL, and APO-A1 were changed significantly in the Qigong group post-treatment compared with before treatment. In summary. Qigong acts as an antihypertensive and may reduce blood pressure by the modulation of lipid metabolism.

Purpose: This study was done to compare the effects of abdominal aroma massage and meridian massage on constipation and stress in college women with functional constipation. Methods: The participants were 38 college women, 18 were in the aroma group and 20 in the meridian group. The aroma massage was given using aroma oil which was a mixture of lemon, lavender, rosemary, and cyprus. The meridian massage was given at 9 accupoints which influence intestinal functions. The treatment was given 5 days a week for 4 weeks. A constipation severity score, weekly defecation frequency, and a stress response score were measured before and every week of 4 weeks of the experiment. Results: While there was no significant difference between two groups, there was a significant difference within the groups in the constipation severity (aroma group: 1st week, meridian group: except 4th week), defecation frequency (aroma group: 3rd week, meridian group: 2nd and 3rd week), and stress (aroma group: all weeks, meridian group: except 4th week) after different duration of experiment. Conclusion: Based on these results, both abdominal massages relieved constipation and stress. Resorting to either types of massage will contribute to the reduction of use of stool softeners, suppositories, or enemas.

Background: HIV infection causes direct endothelial dysfunction or damage and premature atherosclerosis. HIV induced endothelial dysfunction may manifest as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Understanding PAD scenario and its relation with antiretroviral therapy (ART) may help to improve quality of life and to prevent critical limb ischemia or amputation. Till date no follow up study has shown the effect of ART on PAD. This study explores association of ART with changes in PAD status and severity.Methods & Materials: In this ART clinic based cohort study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in eastern India, 193 consecutive ART eligible HIV positive patients of age between 18-49 years underwent ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) measurement before ART initiation and after one year of receiving ART to examine the effect of ART on PAD. ABPI values less than 0.9 or more than 1.4 at rest were taken as abnormal.Results: Prevalence of PAD before the initiation of ART was 30.57%. The prevalence dropped to 12.95% after 6 months and to 3.62% after 1 year of treatment. Mean age of the patients whose ABPI improved was lower than those in whom low ABPI persisted (p value 0.05). ABPI improvement was significant among people who were asymptomatic, belonged to urban population, had normal BMI, good functional status, lower WHO stage and who had no history of tuberculosis (p value< 0.05).Conclusion: Prevalence of PAD decreased significantly after one year of ART. Routine ABPI measurement and early initiation of ART may reduce PAD morbidity and improve quality of life.

Purpose: This study was implemented to investigate the level of awareness of osteoporosis among urban women. Methods: A survey was conducted with a sample size of 434 adult females who resided in metropolises in Korea such as Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Pusan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Kangwondo, Jeju-do and Jeollanam-do. Osteoporosis Awareness Scale was consisted of five areas with total number of 31 questions. The questionnaire's scale was 1 to 4 point, 4 point being the highest understanding level. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics method. Results: The average awareness level of subjects was 2.38 and significant different depending on participants' age, education level, previous encounter with any information about osteoporosis, preventive behavior of osteoporosis, bone mineral density test, fracture history, diet control experience, and regular exercise. In osteoporosis awareness level by five areas, preventive behaviors 2.76 resulted in the highest score and characteristics of osteoporosis 2.51, bone physiology 2.46, improving bone health 2.38, and risk factors 1.80 followed respectively. Conclusion: We should implement bone health programs from a various perspective in order to raise women's osteoporosis awareness. In addition, We need follow-up studies on whether or not the increase on awareness level actually would result in changing in their behavior.